The southern region of Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, is experiencing severe water scarcity, affecting numerous villages across the communes of Draâ El Mizan, Tizi Gheniff, and M’Kira. Despite being in the midst of the rainy season, residents are facing daily challenges in accessing clean drinking water. The village of Imaânden in M’Kira has not seen water flowing from its taps for three months, while in Senana, Ichoukrène, and Maâmar, water is distributed only once every 15 days.
The situation is equally dire in Tizi Gheniff, where villages on the northern slope of the commune face daily water shortages. Local residents and village representatives have expressed their frustration, citing the inadequacy of the current water supply system. In Maâmar, the village representative has been voicing concerns for several months, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the need for a definitive solution. The lack of access to clean drinking water has forced households to purchase water from tanker trucks at exorbitant prices, ranging from 1,400 to 2,000 Algerian dinars per week.
The water scarcity issue has been ongoing since 2011, with the problem escalating over time. The vice-president of the Tizi Gheniff APC notes that while the town center receives sufficient water supply, the surrounding villages face severe shortages. He attributes the issue to poor management and distribution, citing instances where some regions receive 24/7 water supply while others, like Tizi Gheniff, receive water only once a month. The vice-president has requested the establishment of a separate ADE antenna for Tizi Gheniff, alleging favoritism by the existing antenna in Draâ El-Mizan.
In M’Kira, the situation is equally dire, with the commune struggling to provide adequate water supply to its residents. The vice-president of the M’Kira APC reported that, as of December 2, a local school director requested a water tanker truck, highlighting the severity of the crisis. The mayor of M’Kira expressed frustration, stating that despite efforts to address the issue, the situation has not improved. He cited the lack of trust among citizens, who have grown skeptical of promises made by authorities.
The mayor of Draâ El Mizan, M. Issoulah, attributes the water scarcity to a 50% loss of water due to a faulty 300-diameter conduit spanning 8 kilometers. He recommends repairing this conduit and doubling the 400-diameter conduit over 4 kilometers to address the issue. Additionally, he suggests fixing recurring water leaks to put an end to the shortages. The authorities have been urged to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities.
A meeting was held at the wilaya level earlier this month, bringing together members of the affected villages, elected officials, and representatives from the hydraulic and ADE departments. The gathering aimed to address the water scarcity issue and find a lasting solution. Participants emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the problem, which has been ongoing for years.
The water crisis has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only daily life but also education and social stability. In M’Kira, students went on strike for four days to demand access to clean drinking water. The situation demands urgent attention from authorities to prevent further escalation and ensure that residents have access to this essential resource.
Key points
- Water scarcity affects multiple villages in Tizi Ouzou region
- Residents face daily struggles to access clean drinking water
- Authorities urged to find a lasting solution to the crisis
